Arsenal are ready to hijack Newcastle's bid to keep Loic Remy, after reportedly making preliminary contact with the agent of the 27-year-old striker, who is on a season-long loan from Championship side QPR.

Sheffield United first-team coach Andy Garner has revealed the Blades would "love" to sign John Brayford on a permanent basis from Cardiff despite warning it will be "difficult" to keep the on-loan 26-year-old defender at Bramall Lane.

Manchester United's record signing Juan Mata, 25, reckons the world's biggest stars will still want to come to Old Trafford this summer despite the club currently lying in seventh place, 11 points away from a Champions League place.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who is on loan at Napoli this season, admits he has little chance of resurrecting his Anfield career despite having two years left on his contract. The 31-year-old believes Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is committed to a younger goalkeeper.

Swansea midfielder Pablo Hernandez has tipped Napoli boss Rafael Benitez to be a future manager of Real Madrid or Barcelona. The 28-year-old Spanish winger played under Benitez at Valencia and will come up against his old boss in the Europa League on Thursday.

AND FINALLY

Crawley's match against Carlisle may have been called off at the weekend, but Red Devils trio Josh Simpson, Kyle McFadzean and Matt Tubbs used the sand-covered pitch to do some sun-bathing at Broadfield Stadium.